The best practices of port sustainable development: a case study in Korea

ABSTRACT This paper aims to examine the main practices that shape sustainable port development in the context of Korean ports and generalize a typology of port–stakeholder decision framework for sustainable port development. First, the main practices of sustainable port development were examined through a comprehensive literature review and a holistic conceptual framework underpinned by sustainable development and stakeholder management theories. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted with 67 port managers in Korea. Lastly, FAHP was performed based on inputs from 18 port managers to analyze the priorities of the proposed sustainable port development practices. It was found that all proposed practices should be used for evaluating sustainable port development. It was also indicated that Optimized Operation Planning is the most important factor while Internal Environment Management is the least important factor perceived by Korean port managers. A typology of port–stakeholder framework for sustainable development was also generalized to assist port managers in making phased investment decisions. This research contributes to theory building by empirically identifying and validating the sustainable port development practices considering all three aspects of sustainability. It has also generalized a typology of port–stakeholder framework for sustainable development which can be used as a guideline for sustainable development decisions.